Large starter or small starter & step up?

[aggieactuary]

I searched a few other threads on similar questions, but I didn't see a clear answer.

I'm brewing a strong scotch ale (OG 1.084). I have a vial of WLP028 with ~50% viability. Based on yeastcalc.com I need about 315 billion cells.

A 5L starter would get me pretty close 286B.
Or I can do 1L and then a 2L for 309B.

Which give me better yeast?:
(1) a 5L starter
(2) a 1L starter stepped up to 2L

 

[Hex23]

I don't think the quality of the yeast would be much different, but given the choice (e.g. you have a large enough vessel for 5L and possible krausen), I'd go with the 5L because it's simpler and less chance of contamination. In either case, those are big starters so I'd consider decanting. And if you're going to decant, plan for some extra time.